Our Favorite Things from Deseret Book: LDS Living Staff Picks Winter 2017

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A unique part of working at LDS Living is getting familiar with a wide variety of Deseret Book products. We have so many favorites that we wanted to share with our fabulous readers. As you'll see, a couple of us couldn't narrow it down to just one!

I signed up for the 30-day free trial of Bookshelf Plus months ago because I needed to use it for an article I was writing and I never canceled my subscription because I have loved it so much! Bookshelf Plus is such a good value—for just a few dollars a month (there are different plans to choose from), I have access to all of Deseret Book's audiobooks the day they are released and thousands of eBooks too. I've never really invested in audiobooks before, but I am hooked! I have enjoyed listening to Hank Smith's talks so much and my family is really excited to listen to them on our 13-hour road trip next week.
Recommended by Kensie

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Even though I have a Bookshelf Plus subscription, At the Pulpit is one of those books that I just had to have a physical copy of. It is beautiful! I totally geek out over good design and I love just looking at this books as much as I love the talks inside. At the Pulpit has been such a great resource for me for personal study, planning lessons, and learning more about the women that have helped lead the Church. I truly believe this invaluable book belongs in every LDS home.
Recommended by Kensie

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Have you ever wondered if the Savior loves you? Or if the apostles really care about individuals in the Church? I loved this book by Elder David A. Bednar, which used scripture examples as well as personal stories to powerfully remind everyone of the personal nature of the gospel. For anyone who needs to know that they are loved or simply wants some insights into the ministering role of an apostle, I definitely recommend this book!
Recommended by Jannalee

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Neill Marriott's new book, Seek This Jesus is one that I couldn't put down. I listened to it all the way through in a day or two and then listened to it again. I loved the way Sister Marriott shares real experiences about her life. It really gave me courage to watch where she started and where she is now—maybe I can keep improving and progressing, too. From her now-husband almost calling off their wedding to her cleaning the bathroom with a box of tissues after she first got married, her anecdotes and testimony are inspiring and sincere. As a bonus, I got to listen to her engaging southern accent, as she did the reading for the audiobook. This book was truly a delight and reminded me of all the ways I can seek Christ in my life, no matter where I'm at.
Recommended by Jannalee

I loved Seek This Jesus by Neill Marriott. There were so many stories from Sister Marriott's life that I could relate to, especially those about family life. The book is genuine, inspiring, funny, and heartfelt. It's on my list to give to several people for Christmas this year.
—Recommended by Alex

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I love this album! City of Enoch is a relatively new group, but I have quickly fallen in love with their sincere music and inspiring, personal lyrics. The title track, "Sweet Redeemer" is one that I can't help but turn up when I hear it on the radio, and it always brings a peaceful spirit. I definitely recommend this CD.
Recommended by Jannalee

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As this groundbreaking book shows, the plain and precious truths about Christ's nature and mission, lost in the generations after His death, were restored through Joseph Smith. Learn how a true understanding of the Christ who heals may be the greatest contribution of the Restoration.
Recommended by KaRyn

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Love, Kennedy tugged at mine and my wife’s heartstrings. I love how Kennedy kept such a positive outlook all the way to the end of her life (spoiler alert). It encouraged me to never be ashamed of talking about my beliefs to people who may not be LDS. Nothing like what happened to Kennedy has happened in my family’s life, but I still found a lot of value from the movie, and so will you.
—Recommended by Ammon

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LGBTQ issues are sensitive and complex, especially within the context of the gospel. In That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family, Tom Christofferson graciously shares his spiritual journey and offers valuable insights—not only for Latter-day Saints who identify as gay, but for families and ward members as well. Tom’s book is a sincere effort to foster greater understanding and a much-needed dialogue about LGBTQ issues in the Church.
Recommended by Jamie

Tom Christofferson's book That We May Be One is an inspiring story. After everything, the take-home message is "Love one another because that's what Jesus will do." The people who helped, loved, supported, and accepted him—even when he wasn't living how they thought he should—are all examples we should emulate and do well to learn from.
Recommended by Kaeley

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Like most holiday enthusiasts, I enjoy a good Christmas novel to snuggle up to when the snow begins to fall. However, Christmas novels walk a delicate line between heartwarming and sappy, uplifting and unrealistic. Lieutenant Terry’s Christmas Fudge perfectly encapsulated the warmth and giving of the Christmas season without delving into clichés or sickening sentimentality. Based on the riveting true story of a U.S. B-17 bomber pilot who was shot down behind enemy lines and became a German prisoner of war, the story beautifully demonstrates struggles in war zones as well as on the home front during WWII. Having grown up studying and hearing true stories of WWII bomber pilots from my grandfather, who piloted a B-24, I found Gerald Lund’s descriptions of life in the U.S. Army Air Forces and aerial combat accurate, enlightening, and entirely engrossing. It was refreshing to read a book that captures so much of what I love—history, family, faith, and Christmas.
Recommended by Danielle

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Fifteen years. That was how long Tito Momen was imprisoned, beaten, tortured, and abused in an Egyptian prison for converting to Christianity—specifically The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A man who has endured so much and risked everything—his love, his life, and his freedom—for his faith has a way of bringing everlasting truths into startling clarity. Tito’s story, as detailed in My Name Used to Be Mohammad, is an eye-opening journey that exposed me to what it is like living in a country with restricted religious freedom. At every page, I felt the blessings that fill my own life and an expanded empathy for those who must fear for their life just because of their faith. Born in Nigeria and originally named after the prophet Mohammad, Momen’s unbelievable story of conversion was one of the few books I have read in the past year that I could not put down. While gripping and compelling, the most extraordinary aspect of the book was how it expanded my own faith, deepening my understanding of the gospel and its importance in our lives.
Recommended by Danielle

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In recent years, many faithful Church members have encountered challenging aspects of Church history, belief, or practice. Feeling isolated, alienated, or misled, some struggle to stay. Some simply leave. Many search for a reliable and faithful place to work through their questions. The abundance of information online can leave them frustrated. Plantedoffers those who struggle—and those who love them—practical ways to stay planted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Recommended by Jamie

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Whether you have just begun attending the temple or are well seasoned in temple worship, Understanding Temple Symbols offers intriguing new insights about the House of the Lord, making connections between the temple and the scriptures for all who seek further light and knowledge.
Recommended by Christiana

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This one isn't new but I would recommend Be Your Best Self by President Monson because it really made me realize how much President Monson has done for the Church throughout his life as he shares personal stories of service. It's also a great book to help you prioritize your life and puts into perspective the things that really matter.
Recommended by Katie

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The Lion House in Salt Lake City is famous for their scrumptious rolls and now you can have them at home! Buy a mix or order online for in-store pickup at select Deseret Book locations—perfect for the upcoming holidays!
Recommended by Colin

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